Centrophenoxine

Summary

Most nootropics that influence memory or cognitive abilities are cholinergics, which are drugs that interact with this system in the brain. Centrophenoxine is one of the more modern cholinergic compounds that is growing in popularity within the nootropics community.

Related Topics

Centrophenoxine is primarily used as a precursor or prodrug for DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol), which helps to improve cognitive abilities in the elderly [1]. Although the primary use for centrophenoxine is with senile dementia and Alzheimer’s patients, many young adults can see benefits from using the drug as well.

Beyond the memory and cognitive enhancement, centrophenoxine is considered a neuroprotective agent, helps improve stimulation in some studies [2], and is thought to be an anti-aging tool that increases lifespans 30-50% [3].

Also Known As

Centro, Lucidril (Brand Name), Meclofenoxate

Editors’ Thoughts on Centrophenoxine

I have not taken centrophenoxine, but it has been interesting to see the popularity within the community. I am particularly interested in the anti-aging information, which suggests quite a large increase in mice. Cautiously optimistic on that one.

Also, I think it is important for me to point to the opinion of Kurtis Frank [4], who is an editor and main contributor on Examine.com. He states:

“Centrophenoxine looks promising for a 1-time cognition boost. Unlike many supplements, one ‘cycle’ of Centrophenoxine could yield benefits for much longer than just the time ingested. Unlike other compounds where one would need to take it everyday for life, one can take a bottle of Centrophenoxine and reap benefits for a long time.”

Coming from him, those are pretty strong words, though I could not find anything in the literature to suggest as much (I’m sure it exists).

Mansal Denton, Nootropedia Editor

Benefits of Centrophenoxine

The primary benefit of centrophenoxine is that it acts as a prodrug for DMAE. This molecule is primarily useful for reducing certain molecules that build-up in the brain over time and reduce cognitive function. By removing these molecules, elderly can not only halt signs of aging, but can actively reverse them [5].

Centrophenoxine is a more readily absorbed version of DMAE, which makes it more useful for improving cognition. Studies suggest the drug can help to treat dementia and increase cognitive skills over 8 weeks [6]. Another study on DMAE showed improvement in Alzheimer’s patients, though the results were not too significant [7].

While the research is incredibly limited (and specific to mice, not humans), one major centrophenoxine benefit might be with anti-aging and lifespan. Work in the American Academy of Anti-Aging shows a 30 – 50% lifespan increase with mice [8].

According to some studies, centrophenoxine can also increase acetylcholine release in the brain [9]. While more evidence is needed, this is an important mechanism for cognition and memory.

Side Effects of Centrophenoxine

As with many nootropic drugs, there are always risks no matter how helpful. The side effects of centrophenoxine are rare and it is considered to be very safe [10], but there are some rare issues to keep in mind. Some people experience insomnia, restlessness, or dizziness. These are often related to the timing of consumption (i.e: too close to sleep).

Of course, as with many cholinergics, there is a possibility for a headache related to acetylcholine metabolism in the brain.

Finally, females of child-bearing age should avoid both DMAE and centrophenoxine due to teratogenic effects, which are birth defects in infants.

Centrophenoxine Dosage

The typical centrophenoxine dosage is 250 mg, but the number of doses per day will depend on the age and goals. For elderly looking for therapeutic and neuroprotective benefits, 3 – 6 doses of 250 mg is generally most useful.

In the case of younger individuals seeking enhancement, 1 – 3 doses of 250 mg is enough to see positive results.

Centrophenoxine Nootropic Stacks

The popularity of centrophenoxine within the nootropic community has led to much testing and stacking of drugs together. For many individuals, combining centrophenoxine with other compounds provides synergies and cognitive boosts (in theory). From anecdotal experience here are some of the stacks people use, but note that few (if any) of these have been tested in a scientific setting.

Centrophenoxine and racetams – the obvious choice for a cholinergic drug is a family known as racetams. This family of drugs includes things like piracetam, aniracetam, oxiracetam, and lesser known phenylpiracetam, coluracetam, and fasoracetam. There are many, but all of them work in unique ways with centrophenoxine. Be conscious that these drugs can amplify the effects of centrophenoxine so it might be best to start with smaller doses.

Centrophenoxine and huperzine A – there are some cholinergic compounds like huperzine A that can add to the effects of centrophenoxine. Again, this is adding more to a good thing so it may be useful to start with low doses and see how you feel.

Centrophenoxine and modafinil – because centrophenoxine is a memory enhancer and neuroprotective, combining it with drugs that can improve focus and concentration is helpful for some people. Modafinil is a go-to drug of choice for many in the nootropics community (alongside similar cousins like adrafinil and armodafinil). There are other stimulant options like caffeine and L-theanine for those with higher sensitivity to stimulants.

Centrophenoxine and unique blends – there are many unique blended stacks coming onto the market and it seems many people enjoy stacking them with others. Centrophenoxine is rarely in the unique blends because it is considered “experimental” even though there is a sizable database of scientific information. The only blend that already has this nootropic is Qualia, but things like Mind Lab Pro, OptiMind, Alpha Brain, and especially all the Four Sigmatic products stay away from it.

How and Where to Buy Centrophenoxine

Centrophenoxine is a rarer nootropic and thus you will not find it at local grocery or health food stores. Very few brick and mortar locations are going to have centrophenoxine for sale. You must look online in order to buy centrophenoxine and the best products will be from trusted vendors like Pure Nootropics or Nootropics Depot.

Selected Community Experiences

“Has anyone else using centrophenoxine noticed an interesting difference when you find something humourous, especially when laughing? I find I get quite a nice buzz off even the mildest laughter within the first few hours of taking my daily centro.” [11] – bicycle_samurai

“Started Centrophenoxine on Monday and been feeling depressed ever since. Only been taking the lowest amount, 250mg. I’ve also fallen asleep each time after taking it, even though it’s supposed to be stimulating. I can feel it working the first 30 mins, a bit over stimulating, then I’ll just crash and feel sleepy and take an hour long power nap. This has happened every day since I started 4 days ago. Decided to skip out on Centrophenoxine today and just took Piracetam by itself with no choline source and the depression has subsided and I’m back to my normal, giggly self.” [12] – MexicanCarbs

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Author

Mansal Denton

Mansal Denton is the founder of Nootropedia on a quest to inform users on effectively utilizing nootropics and smart drugs. His work has been featured in Forbes, Inc, Entrepreneur, and Vice.

Centrophenoxine

SUMMARY: Centrophenoxine is a synthetic compound that interacts with the cholinergic system. While research is scarce, anecdotal accounts consider it an effective tool for certain aspects of cognition.